Craving the legendary Lou Malnati's salad but can't make it to the restaurant? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet paradise with this mouthwatering copycat recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning salad enthusiasts! Whether you're a Chicago-style pizza lover or just someone who appreciates a perfectly crafted salad, this recipe will become your new go-to dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dining table in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Wash the head of iceberg lettuce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the lettuce dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Using a sharp knife, chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.
- Drain and slice the black olives into thin rings.
- Dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces.
- Slice the pepperoncini peppers into thin rings, removing any stems.
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and mozzarella cheese cubes to the chopped lettuce.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss all ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring even distribution of dressing and ingredients.
- Serve immediately in individual salad bowls or on a large platter for family-style serving.
- Optional: Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a crisp, refreshing experience.
Tips
- Lettuce Matters: Always use fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce and wash it thoroughly. A salad spinner can help remove excess moisture for that perfect crunch.
- Cheese Selection: Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella and cut it into uniform cubes for the best texture and flavor distribution.
- Dressing Technique: For maximum flavor, toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate lettuce.
- Chill Factor: For an extra refreshing experience, refrigerate the ingredients before assembling the salad.
- Ingredient Prep: Slice and dice all vegetables just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your personal preference or dietary needs.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the salad at its peak flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
